We’ve seen Ainsworth a number of times this off-season both with his Marshfield team and in club ball and we’re not sure any guard in his class has as devastating pull-up jumper as he does as he hits them straight up, on the move or fadeaway. In a win over Central Valley, the rising sophomore went to that well early and often and when the defense adjusted, he simply went to the hole and either converted or got fouled in the process. The lefty showed good patience in knowing when to attack or move the basketball to get teammates involved. He finished with a game-high 25 points and 3 assists.

Ainsworth continued to prove why he’s considered one of the top underclassmen in the state. The crafty point guard plays with a maturity beyond his years, combining a high basketball IQ with smooth decision-making and strong ball-handling ability. Max is a reliable spot-up shooter, but his ability to control the game as a floor leader is what stands out most. He consistently made the right reads, kept his teammates involved, and played with a calm, poised approach. His skill set and feel for the game make him one of the more promising young guards to watch.

Another example of a player in the second five that could easily be ranked near the top is Ainsworth, who came into Marshfield with a lot of fanfare as a true freshman and he totally delivered. The lefty guard is super quick and shifty with his moves, has a devastating pull-up jumper, and already finishes at the rim and as he develops more strength, he’ll be even more of a problem than he already is. He earned his league’s player of the year and with Marshfield projected to be arguably the #1 team next season, he’s looking to lead them to the state tournament.

Getting his scoring in the finals of the 16U Memorial Day Championships was Ainsworth. The Marshfield freshman guard is simply a pure scorer capable of getting hot and lighting it up, and in the title game did it multiple ways too, draining threes, hitting pull-ups, and converting hard drives to the basket. We had the talented lefty with 15 points total.

It wasn’t falling early in the two games we watched Ainsworth play but shooters shoot and that’s what he is. The Marshfield freshman would get one to fall and then the silky smooth lefty stroke started to hit all net. Some athletic forays to the basket as well as he helped lead the Portland Boyz to wins in both their games in Sunday.

1st Team

Having spent the better part of two decades coaching & evaluating players at Oregon’s smaller classifications, I can honestly say that Ainsworth is the best freshman guard I’ve seen play at Oregon’s 4A level. The lefty is effective in the pick & roll game & can really get it going offensively. As he continues to gain strength & grows as a defender, the future is bright for Ainsworth & a talented group of young players in Coos Bay.

Max Ainsworth Max Ainsworth 6'2" | PG/SG Marshfield | 2029 State OR made an impressive varsity debut, scoring 24 points at the Return of the Mac event. Widely regarded as one of the top point guards in his class in the Northwest, the lefty scored effortlessly at all three levels and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability. With his skill, pace, and creativity, Ainsworth is already proving to be a tough matchup for any defense. (AG)

At 6-foot-2, Ainsworth was one of the top guards at the Freshman Showcase. The lefty guard stood out with his ability to facilitate in transition, making high-level plays on both ends. Whether diving for loose balls or delivering sharp assists, the incoming Marshfield freshman consistently elevated his team’s energy and execution. (AG)